Exodus 5:9
Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
Original Language Analysis
תִּכְבַּ֧ד
be laid
H3513
תִּכְבַּ֧ד
be laid
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
1 of 10
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים
H376
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְיַֽעֲשׂוּ
that they may labour
H6213
וְיַֽעֲשׂוּ
that they may labour
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִשְׁע֖וּ
therein and let them not regard
H8159
יִשְׁע֖וּ
therein and let them not regard
Strong's:
H8159
Word #:
8 of 10
to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Egyptian brick-making used straw as binding material. The escalating oppression in verses 6-9 follows documented patterns of ancient slave economies.
Questions for Reflection
- How do impossible expectations create false guilt in modern systems?
- What does this passage teach about systemic injustice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 9 content addresses the systematic oppression through impossible brick quotas. The removal of straw while maintaining production requirements embodies how evil systems break spirits through mathematically impossible demands.